As with most consumer products, the price of tools has skyrocketed in recent years. Trusted tool makers such as Snap-On and Mac have been steadily raising prices over the last couple of decades, but as of late, the price hikes have become unbearable. Their quality control has begun to decline and their warranty policy has also begun to suffer. Americans are in desperate need of a source of low-cost, high-quality tooling. However, conventional retailers are not the place to find them. Use one of these five sources to find gently used or even brand-new tools for a fraction of their retail price. 

Antique Stores

Antique stores are excellent sources of older yet still completely serviceable tools. In addition, many modern tools wind up on their shelves simply because they are dirty. For example, quality Rigid pipe wrenches are commonly found in antique shops. These wrenches can retail for hundreds of dollars if they are one of the larger models. Yet, most antique sellers mark them for fractions of that figure. Antique stores also present an opportunity to purchase tools that aren’t commonly sold in the present market, such as woodworking and furniture-making hand tools. 

Pawn Shops

Pawn shops stock a varying selection of tools. If you are looking for power tools, pawn shops are an excellent place to search. Many of these tools are modern and come with batteries and other accessories. However, buyers must be careful not to purchase any tools with unscrupulous origins. Thoroughly vet each pawn shop and ensure that they either let buyers try out and handle the tools or offer returns for defective items. Never trust the salesman’s word and always perform function checks. 

Estate Sales

Estate sales are similar to garage sales, yet provide even more opportunities. Every item in an estate sale must be sold, and the owners of those items have unfortunately passed away. Their families often package items in large bundles and sell them off to help pay for expenses related to debts, funerals, or medical bills. Just remember that it is in poor taste to haggle with the grieving family and to be courteous at all times. 

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a goldmine for tool buying. People often sell huge lots of tools for discount prices all because they either need them gone or have upgraded. In addition, many have no idea of the value of their tools and list them for much less than they should. Buyers can also haggle with users on Facebook, further driving down prices. Despite all these benefits, buyers are still interacting with strangers online and meeting in person, so exercise caution. 

Garage Sales

Garage sales are also excellent opportunities. Each seller is incredibly motivated, as the sole purpose of a garage sale is to clear out excess ‘junk’ from one’s home. Buyers should use this to their advantage. Garage sales give buyers opportunities to inspect every item, ensuring that they are all in working order. Those with sharp eyes can also spot items that aren’t directly listed for sale and give offers for those, granting them access to deals that otherwise would not be available.

Reinventing the wheel is a task that many attempt, yet few see success. However, with the magic of German engineering, the Rhineland industrial giant Knipex has continued to innovate on the most fundamental tool in a mechanic’s arsenal. Its pliers wrench combines the ease of use and quick adjustability of a pair of slip-joint pliers with the grip of a traditional adjustable wrench. 

The pliers wrench was first introduced in 1994, yet they have just begun to proliferate the American market. Large retailers such as Menards and Amazon now carry the entire Knipex range, and tool trucks sell them with their excellent warranty coverage. Knipex has made great strides in marketing and social media outreach as well, introducing many to its excellent line of tools.

Offered in two different finishes, three different grip options, and a whole range of sizes, this tool is an excellent example of the quality that is a hallmark of the Knipex brand. The review model purchased by the author is a 7 ¼ inch model in black phosphate finish with non-insulated comfort grips. The fit and machining quality is excellent, and the finish is incredibly tough. It was not easily scratched with a file, and the jaws of the pliers are hardened. The spring return is responsive and all moving parts are tensioned properly. 

What makes the pliers wrench unique is its parallel jaws and “ratchet principle.” The jaws are machined flat and run parallel to each other. With the adjustment button, users can widen or narrow the jaws to match the size of the fastener. Included on the side of the tool is a graduated scale in both SAE and metric for reference. Once a size is selected, the “ratchet principle” allows users to loosen the grip of the jaws just enough to advance on a fastener without completely removing the tool, unlike an adjustable wrench. This greatly improves the speed at which someone can work and reduces time wasted fiddling with tooling. 

Overall, this is an excellent buy that is recommended for almost every type of mechanic. Knipex offers a model that suits almost every need if one is willing to pay the premium that comes with some of the larger models. While the Knipex pliers wrench won’t entirely replace a traditional adjustable wrench set, it will revolutionize your toolbox. They are easier to use, require less of a learning curve, and take up less space. For tasks that do not require incredible amounts of torque or leverage, the Knipex pliers wrench is the perfect tool.

As the winter drags on, the importance of winter safety items is becoming increasingly apparent. Winter weather increases the risk of breakdowns and accidents, making emergency kits in cars all that more important. However, with many students taking to the roads for the first time this winter, education of what students need to include in these kits is incredibly important. The following 15 items are all gear that a prepared motorist would never leave home without. 

Blanket of some type

During this sub-zero weather, any insulation helps. A blanket provides much-needed warmth in the frigid winter months and can be worn directly over winter layers. It can also be used as a towel in an emergency. **Water and snacks **Food and water are critical components of any prepared motorist’s stockpile of supplies. Keep a few water bottles and some non-perishable, individually wrapped snacks for moments where access to these goods is limited. 

Winter layers

During the winter months, low temperatures can kill. Car heaters can fail and don’t function without fuel, so keep a spare set of winter layers in the vehicle at all times. A spare jacket can mean the difference between life and death. 

Change of clothes

A change of clothes can mean the difference between a ruined day and a small bump in the road. Keep a full spare set in the car to minimize the effect spills, stains, tears, and other damage have on a productive day. **Jumper Cables/Pack **Car batteries are notoriously unreliable and prone to failure at the most inconvenient of times. Protect against this by keeping a jump pack or jumper cables in the vehicle. Keep a printed set of instructions for whichever device you select as well, so that others without knowledge of the system can assist in an emergency situation. 

Snowbrush

A snowbrush is the primary weapon against the mountains of snow and ice that smother the landscape throughout the winter. Sometimes even the most powerful defroster struggles against the freezing weather, and a quality snowbrush can help break this deadlock. Purchase a model with a longer reach and a quality scraper, and leave it in an easily accessible location. 

**Towels/Rags **

Spills and accidents happen often. A sturdy towel or a couple of clean rags are a lifesaver, especially when far from home. By cleaning spills quickly, staining and other damage can be minimized. These rags can also be used to clean mirrors if they become dirty or caked in snow. 

Spare fluids (if necessary)

High school students often operate on a tight budget. The cars they can afford are not often in perfect mechanical condition, and it is better to be safe than sorry. A spare bottle of antifreeze or coolant can often be the difference between a costly towing bill and making it home on time. 

**Rain gear **

Northwest Indiana weather is unpredictable, and rain often appears suddenly and without warning. Raingear is essential, as it keeps you dry and comfortable when the heavens open up. Freezing rain can also cause hypothermia quickly, especially when temperatures drop when the sun goes down. 

**First aid kit **

Cuts and scrapes are not an uncommon occurrence, so it is in the best interest of a prepared motorist to keep a well-stocked first aid kit. Remember that a first aid kit is not only useful for its owner but also for good samaritans who may respond to an accident before emergency medical services arrive. 

Flashlight  

As the days become increasingly long, night still remains the most dangerous time to be on the roadways. Keep a flashlight to illuminate the engine bay, check underneath seats, and to navigate outside the vehicle after dark. Make sure to include a spare set of batteries. 

Road flares or triangles 

One of the leading causes of death for stranded motorists is being hit after exiting their vehicle. To improve visibility, keep flares or reflective triangles in an emergency kit. These devices allow other motorists to see that there is an emergency and create a buffer zone for the stranded vehicle. 

Phone charger

A cell phone is a key lifeline. It must be kept charged at all times, so a phone charger is necessary. It is also wise to keep spare chargers for different types of connectors so that you can charge different types of devices. 

**Insurance and registration in waterproof container **

Insurance and registration are both key documents a driver must be able to produce at any given time. Keep them both in a waterproof container in the glove box of the vehicle. It is also wise to keep service records and other vital information in this container.  

$20 in cash

Even though the world is moving towards an all-digital payment system, cash is still king. Keep at least $20 in your glove box to purchase gas or to stop and buy another necessity.

When filling out the Common App, one of the most labor intensive tasks is inputting grades under the self-reporting section. However, this section is vital for some schools. Purdue University, for example, requires this information to be completely filled out for applications to be considered. 

The first step in this process is for a student to log into their Skyward account. From there, select the Academic History menu on the left side of the home page. 

This menu will show all of the classes a student has taken in their high school career. From there, students can view the semester and final grades for these classes, which are essential for the next steps. 

After the student has access to these grades, they must log into their Common App account. From there, navigate from the home page to the application itself. On the left side of the screen there is a menu containing all criteria that must be completed in order to submit the application. At the bottom of this menu is the Courses and Grades section. 

Students should select this section. Once there, students should select “Yes” when asked if they have access to their transcripts. From there, select the blue “Continue” button at the bottom of the page. 

On the next page, students should select the “Edit 9th Grade” button. Once they do so, a new menu will appear full of drop down boxes. Students should input their high school, LaPorte High School, and select the school year that they were in ninth grade. 

Next, select the A-F grading scale, as that is the scale utilized by LaPorte Community School Corporation. Students should also select Semesters under that Schedule drop down box. 

Once this top row of boxes is filled out, students will then move onto filling out each individual class during their freshman year. For each class, they should select the subject that best describes the class selected. Then, students should describe the type of class, noting any dual credit, honors, or AP designations. If none of these titles apply, then students should select Regular/Standard. 

Once this step has been completed, the first semester, second semester, and final semester grades should be inputted. After that, the credits earned for each course should entered. A full semester class generally awards two credits. Repeat these steps for each course. 

Once all courses are filled out for a student’s freshman year, they should click the continue button and repeat the process for the next 3 years of high school. 

However, if a student’s transcript does not include official grades for their senior year, that student should select the “No” option when asked this question on the 12th Grade menu.

In addition, if there are any high school credits that a student wants to enter, they should navigate to the “Other Courses” and input any additional credits. Any courses taken in middle school can be accessed in the Portfolio section in Skyward. 

Once this step is completed, students should ensure that they accurately filled out all relevant information and selected every check box presented. After this is completed, students should take solace in the fact that they are one step closer to completing their college application.

As the college application process drags on, many students realize that they are missing one crucial piece of their portfolios: letters of recommendation. These letters allow the teachers that are so instrumental in developing students showcase the excellent qualities that student truly exhibits. As important as they may be, many students are confused as to how to request these letters. 

The first step in this process is to log into Clever. Each student’s Clever account is linked to a variety of useful websites, all accessible with a student’s school email and ID number.

After logging into Clever, students should find the Naviance icon. It is found under the District section towards the bottom of the home page. 1Once students have selected this icon, they will be brought to the home page of Naviance. This site, along with the Common App, is crucial to almost every college application. Naviance is the hub where students can request information from their teachers and counselors.

To request a letter of recommendation, students must find the toolbar at the top of the page. Students will then select the Colleges tab. Once they do so, a series of sub-menus will appear onscreen. Students should select the Letters of Reccomendation tab, which is located under the Apply to College header. 

Once students have selected the tab, they will be sent to the Letters of Reccomendation page. If a student has requested any letters, they will be displayed here. 

To request a letter, students should select the blue Add Request button. Once they do so, they are presented with a series of questions about the letter they wish to request. The first is a list of all teachers available to request letters of recommendation from. Students should select the teacher they wish to request a letter from in this drop down menu. 

Next, students are presented with a choice as to what type of letter they would like to request. General letters work for any school and are often wider in scope. Specific letters are centered around one or more particular colleges and allow teachers to state in more detail why a student fits in those particular universities. If students want a specific letter, they will select this option and then check off any colleges they would like to focus on from the list of colleges they are interested in. If a General letter is requested, there is no extra step.

Finally, for both types of letters, there is a small section for any additional comments a student would like the teacher they requested the letter from to see. They should use this space to request specific details in their letter, thank the teacher for their time, or provide a general idea as to why they chose to ask this particular teacher. 

Once a student has finished, they must select the blue Submit Request button at the bottom of the page. Once they have completed this action, an email will be sent to the teachers requested, notifying them of the student’s request. In addition to this email, it is recommended to send an additional email thanking the teacher and reminding them of the request. 

Students will be able to check the progress of their requests from the Letters of Reccomendation menu that they submitted the request from. Once a teacher has fufilled the request, it will be marked as such. Students can then link these letters to their college applications, providing an excellent way to stand out from their peers.

As part of the current graduation requirements for students at La Porte High School, all students must demonstrate how they satisfy the requirements for Box 2 of the Indiana Graduation Pathways. These requirements include demonstrating employability skills and other attributes required for success in the workforce. 

Students must fill out a form called the La Porte High School Employability Skills Reflection Form to prove that they meet or exceed the standards. This document must be completed before graduation, and despite its importance, many students have no idea of its existence. 

Students may complete the form at any point during their high school career. When a student feels that they are ready, they must first receive one of the forms. SRT teachers, the office, and the Counselor’s Corner of the SRT Canvas page all provide access to it.

With the form in hand, students are presented with a choice. They must decide what type of activity they will use to fill out the document. 

Students should choose Project Based Experience if they are using a project-based class to fulfill the requirements. If there is any uncertainty as to what classes qualify, students should ask their teacher or another administrator. 

Service-Based Experience covers community service activities or other volunteering opportunities within the community. 1Work Based Experience includes any paid employment over a student’s time in high school. 

Once an activity type has been selected, the name of the activity must be listed. Use the name of the group sponsoring the activity if a name for the activity itself cannot be found. 

The main section of the form is dedicated to space for students to explain the employability skills they developed during the completion of the activity. Students must use complete sentences and be as thorough as possible in the limited space provided. 

The Mindset box refers to any mindset that students have developed that allowed them to succeed during their chosen activity. Topics such as self-confidence, sense of belonging, or a willingness to learn can be discussed here. 

The second box, Self-Management, should be used to discuss the management skills employed during the activity. Discipline, time management, professionalism, and integrity are among the topics that can be discussed. 

Learning Strategies refer to the methods used to gather information or learn skills related to the activity. Topics such as organization, decision-making, and problem-solving belong here. 

Social Skills involve the communication and teamwork skills developed through the activity. Leadership and team communication are some of the many topics that can be discussed here. 

Workplace Skills involve any skill developed that would be useful on the job as an adult. Personal safety skills, direction following, and resource management are just a few of the variety of skills that can be discussed. 

Once all of these boxes are completed, the last step is to have the student’s employer, activity sponsor, coach, or teacher sign and date the paper. Then the student can turn in the form to either the office or their SRT teacher and take comfort in knowing that they are one step closer to graduation.

A community is more than just a collection of people. It is an entity that is comprised of hundreds of opinions, thousands of experiences, and millions of memories that are all swept together until only the loudest voices remain. 

Only the most vocal are heard, and often they use their soapbox to spread negativity and drown out any shred of positive thought. However, there are many ways to break through this wall of noise and highlight voices that otherwise go unheard. 

Despite this whirlwind of unchanging opinion, it is still incredibly important for members of the public to cast their votes and use their voices to support causes that matter to them. Often, the most worthwhile avenue is voting on local school board issues. These issues directly affect the future of the community, and there is a variety of ways to get involved. 

One of the simplest ways to provide feedback to the community is to respond to the La Porte Community School Corporation Fall 2024 Survey. Over 1,100 people responded to various topics relating to the state of La Porte schools. This feedback is used to make changes to school policies, address safety issues, and assess the general public opinion of the school corporation’s performance. 

By collecting this information directly from the community instead of gleaning it from various often unreliable sources, changes can be made with attention to the actual wants and needs of the community. This information is especially useful with the introduction of a new superintendent, Dr. Sandra Wood, as her base of knowledge about the general opinion of the community is limited. 

Another excellent way to report on the conditions in the community is to sit in on school board meetings. There is a distinct lack of clarity regarding the beliefs and platforms of the school board candidates and even the members themselves. 

Attending these meetings is a great way to educate oneself about the loudest voices in the community. These candidates often have vastly different views on how to run the education system. Simply seeing their names printed on the ballot is not enough information to make an accurate assessment of their character, and knowledge of their campaigns and policies is crucial before one can speak about the merits of one candidate or another. 

The single most important way to ensure that the voice of the community is heard is to vote. A single ballot can make the difference in an election, and each and every vote counts. 

Especially in a small community such as La Porte, the results of local elections can be influenced by small increases in voter turnout. Informed voters are an increasingly rare resource, and each one can shed light on a variety of issues. If you want your voice to be heard, the early voting polls are open at the La Porte County Fairgrounds, at the Small Projects building. 

Those knowledgeable should do their best to help others find their voices by educating them about the merits of voting and the avenues available to educate oneself about the candidates running for office. Armed with this knowledge, the loud, droning voice of the vocal minority can be replaced by the calm, confident voice of the people.

As a part of a renewed effort to expand the career and technical education at LPHS, the corporation has set into motion the construction of a new welding shop. 

The current shop, which is primarily used by the agriculture students at LPHS, is becoming a bottleneck. With its eight booths that must be shared among multiple classes, an expansion to the program is much needed in order to keep up with demand. Equipment attrition is also an issue, as the tools, welding hoods, and the welders themselves are becoming worn and new equipment is a necessity. 

With the hiring of a dedicated welding teacher, Raymond Goss, there is a new face at the helm of the program. He has undertaken the task of equipment sourcing and overseeing the completion of the project.

The location of this new welding shop is at the former Boston Middle School, in the small gymnasium. The building has been retrofitted with fume extraction systems to ensure a safe environment for students and staff. These systems draw fumes and smoke away from the welders and ensure the air stays safe to breathe in.

As a former professional welder, Goss has extensive experience in the field and has selected a variety of tools and equipment to ensure that the weld shop is well-equipped. Everything needed for a functional weld shop can be found in this new facility.

Goss states that each welding booth, of which there are 16, will be supplied with a Lincoln Electric 300C Multi-Process welder. These machines are capable of MIG, TIG, and SMAW processes and are rated at up to 350 amps of output. In addition, each booth is equipped with a DeWalt corded grinder.

As far as larger equipment, Goss has also sourced two Lincoln electric manual plasma cutters as well as an industrial air compressor to supply them. Also located in the shop are multiple large welding tables, a brand new bandsaw, and a standing drill press. 

Students will also receive a personal protective equipment package that includes a quality autodarkening welding hood, gloves, a quality welding jacket, chipping hammer, wire brush, and an ANSI Z87.1 rated pair of safety glasses. 

This new shop was made possible by a generous grant in addition to a strong partnership with New York Blower (NYB). Goss states that NYB has been instrumental in providing both gloves and safety glasses but also assistance in providing metal for students to use. 

Goss also plans to work with NYB to develop a program to allow students to earn industry certifications. However, a plan is already in place to provide students with an AWS SENSE Entry Level 1 Certification. 

This new weld shop provides another avenue for success for students at LPHS. Those wishing to learn more about welding can enroll in the Principles of Welding course offered by Mr. Goss at LPHS. There, students will learn the basic principles of welding and can compete for a spot in one of the 16 new booths in the Boston Weld Shop.